Geographical Indication (GI), according to the World Intellectual Property Organization, is a sign which identifies good as origination from a particular geographical region and possessing qualities associated with that origin. It is similar to the protection a Trademarks or Copyright offers, however it does not restrict the creation of the good to only the geographical location that has the tag for the good. For example: Banglar Rasogolla is a food item that originates in West Bengal and has a GI tag that identifies it as originating in the state. The Rasogolla can be made by anyone, anywhere in the world, but the one that comes from Bengal will have a GI tag attached to it and cannot be replicated.
In India, GI sign is granted by the Geographical Indications Registry in Chennai for Agricultural products, foodstuffs, handicrafts and industrial products among others. It can be applied for by any association of persons, producers and organisations. Only after a though study and clarification, will the GI tag be awarded to a product.
The Darjeeling Tea was the first product in India to be awarded the GI tag in 2004. Today, nearly 360 products from around the country have the GI tag.
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